2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 1

author(s)
MS More, TB Bastewad, PR Sapkale, SC Bhangare and MR Patil

abstract
Wear analysis in the field is a time-consuming and expensive process. Consequently, there arose a necessity to devise a wear testing machine. Unfortunately, abrasive wear testing machines, as developed in advanced countries, are not readily accessible in India. This scarcity makes the investigation of wear-related issues at laboratory levels a challenging task in the country. The primary aim of this study was to create and assess a wear testing machine in the laboratory setting. The machine comprises a circular soil bin, support frame, power transmission system, working unit, and arm subassemblies. To evaluate the Equipment, rotavator blades were utilized in soils containing 99% sand. L-shaped blades, constructed from EN8 steel material, were affixed to the flange, and their speed was varied between 180 and 200 rpm. The experiment involved operating at a depth of 14 cm and a speed of 0.97 m/s in sandy soil with a moisture content of 8 to 10 percent. Wear tests were conducted under controlled indoor conditions within the circular soil bin for a continuous period of 100 hours. Gravimetric and dimensional measurements of the rotavator blades were recorded at 20-hour intervals in the circular soil bin. The results revealed a consistent increase in wear loss at each time interval at the chosen depth and speed of operation. The blades exhibited wear along their thickness, with the maximum wear observed at the tip of the blades.